The iconic pink façade of Cape Town’s Mount Nelson Hotel is hard to miss – the blushing grande dame has been standing sentry at the foot of Table Mountain for over 126 years. Within this rosy exterior lies a living monument to South African hospitality with stories as rich and delicious as its renowned afternoon tea.
“It was painted this shade of pink in 1918 at the end of the First World War,” explains Gabrielle Palmer Bolton, Area Public Relations and Communications Manager. “The hotel had an Italian general manager, Aldo Renato Taglia Vila. He came from a place in Italy with beautifully coloured houses and thought pink was the colour of hope, joy, passion, love, and peace. All those beautiful, positive emotions.”
This distinctive colouring has remained nearly unchanged for over a century, thus earning the property its affectionate nickname, The Pink Lady. With no other historic hotel in Cape Town dressed in such a striking colour, it has transcended from mere décor into a living, breathing brand.
Legacy Steeped in Tradition
While many luxury hotels offer afternoon tea, few have elevated it to the cultural institution that Mount Nelson has. Originally served on trolleys in a classic guéridon service, the experience has evolved thoughtfully over generations, now featuring three-tiered stands with a spectacular cake table finale.
“We have 78 different teas from around the world and an expertly trained tea sommelier who just returned from Taiwan,” Bolton shares. The tea experience transcends generations, attracting everyone from globally-loved celebrities to local families celebrating their milestones. It’s the quintessential entry point for Capetonians, both an accessible luxury and a cherished bucket list achievement.
Distinguished Guests and Discreet Services
The corridors of Mount Nelson have welcomed an impressive roster of luminaries. Nelson Mandela hosted the first World Economic Forum on African soil in 1994 in the Sherwood Room. Winston Churchill, then a war correspondent during the South African War, wrote dispatches inside its walls while his mother worked as a nurse. John Lennon made his own bed during what Bolton describes as “his spiritual journey around the world,” and the Dalai Lama enjoyed ice cream in the ballroom.
Heritage Mingling with Modern Magnetism
As a protected heritage building, the Mount Nelson’s architectural charm remains preserved, but that hasn’t prevented the property from maintaining its relevance. “A lot of younger people actually quite like this classic look, in a world that’s so topsy-turvy and changing all the time,” Bolton notes. “It’s kind of nice to have this steadfast thing being an anchor of sorts.”
Their intended changes are made through thoughtful programmes rather than structural change, such as a pink Kombi offering surfing and culinary tours, designer fashion shows where models glide past tea-sippers, and an annual art exhibition displaying contemporary African artists in partnership with Norval Foundation.
“We have an annual fashion week called Confections and Collections, celebrating designers from the continent,” Bolton explains. “Models come past you so close while you’re enjoying tea and cakes, with the designers present for Q&A sessions.”
Perhaps most surprisingly, the hotel welcomes four-legged guests with customised beds and special amenities “They get their own little things to eat,” Bolton says with a smile, referring to the guest’s pets, who are welcomed and encouraged to join their owners for a spot of tea.
Shaping Cape Town’s Luxury Scene
After being named the best hotel in Africa by the World’s 50 Best Hotels last year, the Mount Nelson’s influence on Cape Town’s global standing as a luxury destination has only strengthened. Yet the property maintains a delicate balance between aspiration and accessibility.
“We’ve made a distinctive effort toward more inclusivity and diversity, welcoming everyone to feel comfortable within our walls,” Bolton explains. “We’re celebrating the future of what this hotel can be instead of just celebrating the past. We always see the guest profile changing, and we love it!”
The Mount Nelson offers a rare commodity in today’s luxury landscape; a living connection to history that remains utterly, refreshingly alive.
MOUNT NELSON HOTEL
ADDRESS:
76 Orange Street, Gardens
Cape Town 8001, South Africa
CONTACT:
Tel: +27 21 483 1000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.belmond.com/mount-nelson-hotel-cape-town
RATES:
Rooms from R19,000 per night (rates vary by season)
Afternoon Tea: R450 per person
